March 27, 2008

AAUW to honor local scholars

The Ritzville Branch of American Association of University Women will honor seven young women from area high schools at the April 9 meeting to be held at the Zion Philadelphia Congregational Church in Ritzville. The young scholars have earned recognition by their respective high schools for their outstanding achievement in math, science or technology.

AAUW is a national group whose mission is to promote education and equity for women and girls. In recognizing these young women, each is encouraged to continue her education and careers in these fields.

The seven young women, their parents and a teacher chosen by each to share in the honor will be guests for the dinner meeting. Each recipient will receive a certificate awarded by the Washington State AAUW.

Three students represent Lind High School. Jessica Slater is the mathematics recipient. She is the daughter of Scott and Karin Monroe. Slater has participated in the Washington Aerospace Scholars Program, but is undecided as to her choice of college, but would like to major in electrical engineering.

Also from Lind High School is Kayla Gardner, the daughter of Gale and Jean Gardner. She is recognized for her achievement in science and would like to attend Eastern Washington University to major in pre-dentistry.

Elissa Bouwman receives the Lind High School technology award. Bouwman, daughter of Brent and Jacque Bouwman, would like to attend Eastern Washington University to pursue a career in either nursing or physical therapy.

Gardner and Bouwman are double-honorees, having both been named during their junior year as 2007 recipients, Gardner in math and Bouwman in science.

Ritzville High School has recognized three young women. Natalie Wiltse is named for achievement in mathematics. Wiltse is the daughter of Loren and Madonna Wiltse and would like to attend Eastern Washington University for a bachelor of arts degree as well as to further pursue a Master’s degree in archeology.

Laura Cain, the daughter of Emmitt and Jullie Cain, is recognized by Ritzville High School for science achievement. She would like to further her education at Central Washington University.

Danielle Sackmann is honored as the technology recipient for Ritzville High School. She is the daughter of Dennis and Connie Sackmann, and would like to attend Western Washington University to major in a medical field.

Stacy Soderberg is recognized from Sprague High School for two areas, mathematics and science. Soderberg, daughter of Jeff and Darlene Brumley, has also been honored as the VFW State Volunteer of the Year and will further her education at Eastern Washington University.

The local scholars’ photos and personal information will be part of a display featuring honored young women from all parts of Washington at the AAUW state convention to be held in Shelton later in April. Vel Babbitt and Sherie Schafer will represent the Ritzville Branch.